tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4050607901183853842018-02-19T22:54:54.598-06:00 SweetpTherapeutic musings mixed with humorous ramblings and sometimes spiritual notations of life as I know it in written form. A diary of my heart inspired by life.Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.comBlogger888125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-72870630700920972192018-02-19T22:54:00.000-06:002018-02-19T22:54:54.672-06:00Being a Part<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lWWBXk5VMk/WoupVAO01GI/AAAAAAAAH7s/WU0fjCNam7Qs_BxU25huLK8uPwqTSOgSACLcBGAs/s1600/Wizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="750" height="155" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0lWWBXk5VMk/WoupVAO01GI/AAAAAAAAH7s/WU0fjCNam7Qs_BxU25huLK8uPwqTSOgSACLcBGAs/s320/Wizard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm sitting here half asleep. The background music to my dreams is the sound of saws, the pounding of hammers, and the increasing hum of voices. This is how I have spent my evening the last couple of weeks as part of the cast in The Wizard of Oz. Prior to moving into the theatre, we rehearsed in churches and local businesses.... Pretty much any place we could find. When I menationd to my new boss the other day that I had rehearsals every weeknight, she gasped and said.... "Do they pay you?" She couldn't grasp why I would commit to something so intense without compensation. The reasons I started doing community theatre is convoluted at best. The reason I continue doing it is simple. It is an amazing feeling to bring a group of people together, many who have never met, and create something magical. Be it a comedy or a musical, it is an experience that builds a unique bond between others you would not normally meet. It is a process that on the outside may look simple, but behind the scenes, it is nothing short of a miracle considering all of the moving parts... Literally and figuratively. I may be in a bit of a daze from exhaustion as is every other member of the cast, but nonetheless,&nbsp; i am excited for the curtains to rise Friday night. Yes, the monkeys will absolutely fly. The Witch make you shrink back into your chair, and Dorothy will melt your heart with her gentle spirit and songbird voice. Everyone from Toto, to the Munchkins will magically transport you to the land of Oz. If you blink you might miss my breakout performance as the fence that is caught up in the tornado, or you might not recognize me as an Ozian with Green eyes and wild hair. You will probably never see my name headlining a play, but that isn't the point in local theatre. The point is bringing together a hodgepodge of &nbsp;hearts and creating something that is captivating and entertaining. "Build it and they will come." I assure you that if you do, you will not be disappointed, and who knows, you may just catch the bug yourself and next year you may be one of those of us on stage. It gives a whole new meaning of "having a part". Whether it's behind the scenes, building props, or helping Munchkins get dressed, everyone is needed and together we create the magic on stage. I'll have to warn your though.....&nbsp; It's going to be an amazing show and you just might get blown away. Hold onto your seats... We hope to see you there.&nbsp;</div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-55715713608941793412018-02-09T23:45:00.001-06:002018-02-10T13:12:09.010-06:00Reasoning with a Three Year Old<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy4ACQJTHyM/Wn6FC1kJ9VI/AAAAAAAAH7I/lzgqWpsoQ_Y3buLaz4F3GjQ08rlHUY7qACLcBGAs/s1600/nap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vy4ACQJTHyM/Wn6FC1kJ9VI/AAAAAAAAH7I/lzgqWpsoQ_Y3buLaz4F3GjQ08rlHUY7qACLcBGAs/s200/nap.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>From the moment I dropped my purse by the door, Levi offered one of&nbsp; his two make believe guns fashioned from limbs of a tree.... "You wanna play wiz me Lolli?" He asked. "Of course I do."&nbsp; I exclaimed!"&nbsp; "We got a lot of competition." He told me. "We are going to sneak up on bad guys.".... We began our hunt for the bad guys and around and around the table we went. This was before Mom and Dad had left for the hospital to see Baby Girl. If I ran around the table looking for bad guys once, I ran around it a 100 times. We climbed make believe steps, we went up a make believe elevator, and climbed through make believe holes in the ceiling. We patrolled the house like our lives depended on it. We read books, played with star wars men until he rubbed his tummy and informed me his tummy really needed a snack. We sat for a quick lunch and then he was up and ready to roll again. "Levi, you need to give Pops a kiss cause it's nap time. His face quickly fell into a pout that could crush the hearts of kings....."But I don't need a nap." he said.... "Oh, I beg to differ with you little one, I can tell by the way you're batting your eyes, that they are ready for a nap." "But I don't like naps." He whined... "You don't like naps! I love naps. Look Pops has already started on his... Explain to me exactly what you dislike about naps." I asked..... "He splayed his hand against his chest and said with complete conviction .... "I don't need naps, I'm getting to be a big boy, and look, my eyes are being still."&nbsp; As he held them as wide open as he possibly could." Okay Levi." I said,&nbsp; "If that is the truth I need you to explain one thing to me."... "What?"&nbsp; He asked."&nbsp; "Okay, you say you are too big for naps, but Pops is way bigger than you, and he still needs naps. And Lolli is way bigger than you, and I still love my naps. If that is true for LolliPops, then how is it possible that you, being much smaller than we are, don't need a nap?" There was a long silent pause, as if he was trying to find a rebuttal to the logic of my question. Then he kind of shrugged his shoulder like he knew this was one battle he wasn't going to win. "Go give Pops a goodnap kiss and all three of us will take our naps, then get up and play some more." Without fuss, or muss, he kissed Pops goodnap and I carried him to his bed. He snuggled right under the covers and said.... "lolli, will you tell me a story?" "I sure will" I said as I sat beside his crib. I spun a tale with dramatic flare that's usually saved for the stage. When I finished the story, I wished him sweet dreams and quietly shut the door. Not another peep was heard from him as he fell fast asleep. As if on cue, Pops and I took our nap as well, wishing it was a daily part of our routine. It's funny that some of the most precious moments in a parent or grandparents life are those sweet moments of tucking them in and whispering "Sweet Dreams". It may be true you can't argue with a three year old, but sometimes logic works wonders, or maybe I just got lucky. But lucky isn't all I got, I also got a nap, so it was a win, win situation.</div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-57031441973305161762018-01-08T10:34:00.001-06:002018-01-08T14:19:34.115-06:00Facing Your Fears, The Best of Both<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71GW592KASQ/WlObadbXTMI/AAAAAAAAH6s/8rGkBDgbs8k3UGyt0IdWeHWeJv6eydOMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Alice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71GW592KASQ/WlObadbXTMI/AAAAAAAAH6s/8rGkBDgbs8k3UGyt0IdWeHWeJv6eydOMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Alice.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: left;">Exactly 8 years ago New Year’s Day, I had a freak accident which &nbsp;resulted in a TBI. Although the accident was terrifying for my family and friends who saw it happen. The most difficult part for me was the recovery. For months, or to some extent years, I felt disconnected not only from myself, but also from those around me. While I tried to pretend everything was normal, things most certainly were not. I had lost myself and the journey to finding myself was a long lonely road. Having been plagued with a fear of trying new things all my life, I was suddenly not afraid of anything. In a way it was a blessing because fear is crippling. During my recovery, the trepidation I usually felt when faced with something different, wasn't there. This wasn’t necessarily healthy. During that time, I'd try anything. I'm surprised I didn't join a traveling circus. I did things I would have never thought of doing before the injury. As I began to recover, the fear slowly return, although not as severe.&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: left;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; text-align: left;">The last couple of month of 2017 was a difficult time for my family. My husband and dad both faced health issues, some of which were scary. I had/have work stresses that were and new peppered with anxiety. At the end of December, I decided to try something totally out of my comfort zone. At first, my family thought it wasn't a good time. My thought was maybe a challenge is just what I need to take my mind off things I can’t control. Having made the decision, it is very apparent that I am no longer living in the “Wonderland” of no worries. I have battled the decision with the conversation sounding like this.</span></div><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">"You can't do this!… You need to do this… You don’t belong!… This will be a great experience… You are a fish out of water!… It will be fine." <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">This is the first time I’ve had this much trepidation since the TBI. I liked it much better when those nagging little doubts were silent and I floated past my insecurities into unknown territory without a care in the world. Apparently, I had come to appreciate certain aspects of my “Alice in Wonderland” mentality. My husband calls me Jac 2.0. The “Alice in Wonderland” side was fearless and fun loving. She was an up for anything kind of gal. Who would have thought there was a “good side” to having a TBI. I start 2018 hoping I can face my fears, conquer them, and come out better on the other side. Maybe it will be the best of both worlds.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-4714849258026045782017-11-09T20:53:00.001-06:002017-11-09T20:53:19.910-06:00I'm Thankful for.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_5s1jYQ4NY/WgUT8fCa2lI/AAAAAAAAH2w/HU0PN-GEaiMm0FEulwNKXPTmmth6xFfHwCLcBGAs/s1600/heart%2Bin%2Bhand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="272" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1_5s1jYQ4NY/WgUT8fCa2lI/AAAAAAAAH2w/HU0PN-GEaiMm0FEulwNKXPTmmth6xFfHwCLcBGAs/s1600/heart%2Bin%2Bhand.jpg" /></a></div>I was talking with my daughter tonight. A friend of hers is moving to another state. After being in the Navy for 10 years, my daughter is familiar with long distance and sometimes temporary relationships. I think it makes her guarded. I lost a dear friend almost 4 years ago. Knowing I'll never hear her sweet voice again, makes my heart ache. What am I thankful for this month of thanksgiving? I'm thankful God allowed friends like her to grace my life (grace being the key word). I am thankful for those I love, and those who love me back. They are to my heart, as air is to my lungs. To love others is to be completely vulnerable, because they hold your heart in their hands. Your heart in the hands&nbsp; of others is a fragile thing indeed. Loving others is a dangerous journey, but the risk offers rich rewards. Choose, but choose wisely. I'm thankful for the times I did.</div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-62859779038700445652017-11-08T21:21:00.001-06:002017-11-08T21:21:35.111-06:00Catching some Z's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOJIV_DHAfU/WgPI00CgDhI/AAAAAAAAHwA/aEFrzMQeCboo-uo1rb2l56z7lQ_-e99GQCLcBGAs/s1600/sandman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOJIV_DHAfU/WgPI00CgDhI/AAAAAAAAHwA/aEFrzMQeCboo-uo1rb2l56z7lQ_-e99GQCLcBGAs/s1600/sandman.jpg" /></a></div>Sleep has been an illuisive friend for the years. It's a trait I inherited from my Dad. I can usually tell when it's going to be one of those nights, but instead of getting up and doing something productive, I lay there waiting for the magical moment I fall unconscious.&nbsp; Occasionally, I get up and go to Planet Fitness which is open 24/7.&nbsp; As odd as it seems, my system is so used to it, that I almost feel better when I only get a few hours of sleep as opposed to several hours of deep sleep. Its like my adrenaline gland kicks in when my body knows it's been sleep deprived and I usually function great. But still I long to disengage my brain for several hours just to escape the stresses of life. This week my insomnia has been in hyper drive and today I was a walking Zombie in heels..... Maybe it's the time change. The tried and true hypnosis recording I call Sandman, can get me to sleep and keep me relaxed during what would be a sleepless night, bit the dust last week. I got him up and running after work today, so tonight night I'm &nbsp;looking forward to catching some much needed z's. I'm hoping tomorrow I'm less Zombie-ish, but still wearing really cute heels.</div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-46661810275804458312017-11-06T18:49:00.002-06:002017-11-06T18:49:43.751-06:00Better Man<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GijCzC3mQw/WgCYrJQlAcI/AAAAAAAAHu8/NTlZXd-MYtkWcCBoy4byCHO3f9NN-vJLwCLcBGAs/s1600/Clint%2BBlack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="343" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GijCzC3mQw/WgCYrJQlAcI/AAAAAAAAHu8/NTlZXd-MYtkWcCBoy4byCHO3f9NN-vJLwCLcBGAs/s320/Clint%2BBlack.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>Do you ever wish life would throw you a pleasant curve ball instead of a curve ball that knocks you on the ground? &nbsp;I have. &nbsp;I avoid the news like the plague. Just when you think the world can’t get much worse…. It does. As if that’s not enough, sometimes the reality of life itself can be harsh. Mike and I took a day off to get away to enjoy the beautiful weather and to sneak in some much needed alone time outside our normal environment. We didn’t go far. We went to Lake Murray which is a hop skip and a jump from Duncan. &nbsp;We got to Ardmore mid-afternoon. We had our usual lunch debate…. “What do you want?”…. “I don’t care, what do you want?” We parked at Chili’s and as we were getting out, I said…. “You know, if we wanted to eat at Chili’s, we could do that in Lawton. Why don’t we mix things up and try something new?” &nbsp;Lucky for me, he was willing to think outside the box, so we decided to try Two Frogs which we had never been to. Before we sat down, he was in hog heaven. Autographed guitars and pictures of famous musicians lined the walls. A small stage was in the front. My husband loves nothing more than live music, but it was too early in the day for the music to have started. &nbsp;To top it off, the food was great. We were both glad we had stepped out of our familiar box and tried something new. When the waitress brought our ticket she asked if we had plans for the evening. I told her we were just spending the night at the lodge. &nbsp;She then explained that Clint Black was in town for a concert and would actually be showing up at the restaurant for an after party. She had two free tickets to the concert and wanted to know if we would be interested in going. There was no debate needed about that choice. I thanked her and thanked her (and left a big tip). She said…. “I had these tickets and I said to myself….. That couple doesn’t look like they’re doing anything tonight, I’ll see if they want to go.” &nbsp;When we got in the car I asked Mike….. “Do we actually look so boring that people can take one look at us and &nbsp;know we got nothing going on??” Actually, I think she took one look at us and thought…. “That couple looks like they are up for an unexpected adventure.”<br /><br />The concert was at The Heritage Hall, a small venue. It was a general admission concert so we got there early and had seats 13 rows from the front. We’ve been fortunate to have seen groups like The Eagles, James Taylor, Elton John, Billy Joel, Vince Gill, Martina McBride and many others in concert. I’ve always like Clint’s music, but I was aware he hadn’t had a hit in several years so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I can honestly say that it was one of the best concerts I have ever had the pleasure of attending. I love his music, but in addition to being an outstanding vocalist and musician, he had an amazing rapport with the audience. His smile is infectious and you can tell he genuinely loves what he is doing, and loves his fans. The majority of his band has been with him for 30 years which means they are tight. Their musicality is impeccable! Such longevity tells me that he is not just a great musician, but also a great man. I don’t know this for a fact, but I think his career intentionally took a backseat when he married, which is admirable. Whatever the reason, I can promise you he is a top notch musician and entertainer which is a direct result of being him being "A Better Man”.<br /><div><br /></div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-6372486476846008922017-09-22T14:31:00.003-05:002017-09-22T14:31:34.875-05:00A Quiet Light<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Qo157e6rKE/WcVj34ccLeI/AAAAAAAAHuE/l8pbwku7QIwnicQefRcZ0kTrO4-JvRMhgCLcBGAs/s1600/Tilt-a-whirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8Qo157e6rKE/WcVj34ccLeI/AAAAAAAAHuE/l8pbwku7QIwnicQefRcZ0kTrO4-JvRMhgCLcBGAs/s320/Tilt-a-whirl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">When I heard that Tilt-a-Whirl Joe, a man well known in our community for operating the tilt-a-whirl at Kiddieland, had passed away at the age of 93, my heart immediately broke and warmed at the same time. When I think of influence, I think of someone or something that is larger than life and hard to ignore. That isn’t always the case. Joe was a small unassuming man. He faithfully operated the tilt-a-whirl since 1986. He didn’t just operated it…. He owned it! He owned it in the sense that he put his whole heart and soul into each ride, carefully watching the faces of the tiny tots who giggled and squealed with each turn of the cart. When my kids were small, I loved watching as he pulled the stick that made the carts whirl with a wide grin, ride after ride, after ride. He seemed to take the joy of each passenger personally. He closely monitored each face to make sure the tiny tots were having a good time. He didn’t hesitate to stop the ride when a wee one became overwhelmed. He was the epitome of Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever your hands find to do, do it with all your might.” His image is etched in my memory and the memory of my community. My husband and I work the Welcome Desk at our church, and every service he would come to the desk to get one of the hearing devices made available. He <i>always</i> had a sweet smile and a kind word. On more than one occasion, I remember thinking to myself….. “I want to be just like him when I grow up.”&nbsp;<o:p></o:p><span style="text-align: left;">I never had a conversation beyond pleasantries, but that doesn’t change the fact that he had a lasting influence on my life and the life of others. He was and will always remain, A quiet light.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-30383787363046764892017-09-14T19:28:00.001-05:002017-09-14T21:15:56.056-05:00Love Safe<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0n8kT0CWPRc/WbseluoFfsI/AAAAAAAAHtk/DSFo6errErwsGN9-xm05I8xh2dXPGSFBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Safe%2Blove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0n8kT0CWPRc/WbseluoFfsI/AAAAAAAAHtk/DSFo6errErwsGN9-xm05I8xh2dXPGSFBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Safe%2Blove.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Parents teach their children about dangers. We teach them about stranger danger. We teach them not to text and drive. We drill into them that they should just say no to drugs. We warn them against many things that can trip them up and weigh them down in life, but we rarely discuss the signs and dangers of a toxic relationship. I wonder why that is? It’s safe to say that everyone has been in some kind of a toxic relationship at one time or another be it bullying as a child, or an emotionally and/or physically abusive boyfriend or spouse. But mum is the word when it comes to sharing our experience. Years ago I warned someone I love about warning sign I saw in a new relationship. This loved one lived in another state at the time, but was visiting me when they took a call from a new boyfriend.&nbsp; The one-sided conversation I overheard, made the hairs on my arm stand up. I was in an abusive relationship in high school, and the conversation was a Déjà vu moment for me. I couldn't help but share my fears, but they wanted to believe the best in the new relationship and as they say…. The rest is history. Maybe we don't discuss it because it is hard to believe that you have been duped.&nbsp; Maybe it's shame that keeps us silent, or fear that it will happen again. It's probably a combination of all of the above, but whatever the reason, it's something everyone should be aware of.&nbsp; I have had my share of heartache from relationships that were peppered with warning signs all along. I want to say they are in my past, but I'm sure there are more in my future. Why?&nbsp; Because I sincerely want to believe the best in others. I want to <i>give</i> large portions of grace, because I know that I <i>require</i><i> </i>large portions of grace..... And last but not least, I am a people pleaser. The easiest way to love, is to be aware and believe there is such a thing as safe love. I found the following portion of an article that describes one of the most toxic relationships. I wish I had read years ago. This type of relationship left me wounded and caused me to question myself and others. I keep this close at hand so next time I'll love at a safe distance.&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">A Narcissistic Personality Disorder comes across as conceited, boastful or pretentious. A Narcissist will often monopolize conversations. They may belittle or look down on people they perceive as inferior. They feel the sense of entitlement - and when they don't receive special treatment, they become impatient or angry. They have trouble handling anything perceived as criticism. They have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability and humiliation. They often react with rage or contempt and try to belittle others to make themselves appear superior.&nbsp;</div><ul><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance</div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Expecting to be recognized as superior even without achievements that warrant it</div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Exaggerates achievements and talents</div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Believe they are superior&nbsp;</div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Require constant admiration and affirmation</div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Expects unquestioning compliance with their expectations</div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Takes advantage of others to get what they want</div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Believes others envy them</div></li><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Behaves in an arrogant or haughty manner</div></li></ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Although some features of a Narcissistic Personality Disorder may seem like having confidence, it's not the same. Narcissistic Personality Disorder crosses the boarder of healthy confidence into thinking so highly of themselves they put themselves on a pedestal and value themselves more than they value others.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Love without boundaries, but always be aware. I can love a Narcissist, but I'll love them at a safe distance.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br /><div id="adsmobileBottom"></div><br /></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-35761553443147824032017-05-16T09:42:00.001-05:002017-07-19T13:13:42.683-05:00You've Came a Long Way Baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div abp="200" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a abp="201" href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ic2X77IkVQ/WRsPoEY-bnI/AAAAAAAAHsg/Osudrd-otNIVxJnv0p-bHyrxEF0mjk9EQCLcB/s1600/Long%2Bway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="202" border="0" height="276" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5ic2X77IkVQ/WRsPoEY-bnI/AAAAAAAAHsg/Osudrd-otNIVxJnv0p-bHyrxEF0mjk9EQCLcB/s320/Long%2Bway.JPG" width="320" /></a>The other day, I was standing in the check out line at Homeland with my husband. I had just put a People magazine back after flipping through the pictures, when the lady behind looked at the cover.... "Oh isn't that baby adorable?" She said. The cover featured Charlotte, the second child of Prince Williams and Kate. "Which one is that?" the lady asked me..... I told her and then I had to show her how much Charlotte looked like the Queen (bless her heart), but in a good way. We had our heads together as I flipped through the magazine looking for the picture.... This stranger and I. I found the picture and showed it to her..... "Oh, she certainly does!" she said as I returned the magazine to the shelf. By that time my husband was paying out and I headed to the car with our buggy. That's when it hit me..... 7, 6, even 5 years ago that conversation would have <strong abp="203"><em abp="204">never</em></strong>, ever happen even in my, or my husband's wildest imagination. 8 years ago, yes, but certainly not 7 years ago. I stood in the parking lot replaying the interaction. It was a vivid contrast of how far I've come over the last 7 years. So much so that I almost missed noting that this would have been impossible 7 years ago when I struggled&nbsp;my way back from a Traumatic Brain Injury. During the years following, I found it difficult to communicate with my family, much less a stranger. Relationships were difficult to maintain, much less cultivate.&nbsp;Remembering&nbsp;those years are something I&nbsp;choose not to do often, but this particular moment&nbsp;the&nbsp;memory was a sweet reminder that I've come a long way baby.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-89519058580203039562017-03-10T06:27:00.000-06:002017-03-10T06:27:35.425-06:00Unstoppable<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCqw0B0_qGk/WMHYmHQkRsI/AAAAAAAAHnk/VNQEN0uP3lg32cSEYEiuCzjHqRYozo9FACLcB/s1600/Unstoppable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCqw0B0_qGk/WMHYmHQkRsI/AAAAAAAAHnk/VNQEN0uP3lg32cSEYEiuCzjHqRYozo9FACLcB/s320/Unstoppable.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>This has been a weird week. It seems like everything I picked up, was more complicated than it needed to be. I've worked really hard, yet feel like I haven't accomplished much. I call it "Swimming in Glue". Although everyone has days like that.... I've had a whole week. Well, almost, tomorrow is Friday!!! Insert happy dance here.<br /><br />It just amazes me how God orchestrates opportunities. Today he orchestrated a beautiful opportunity for me to visit with someone who has inspired me for years. I have a precious friend who is&nbsp;in the journey of showing Breast Cancer who's is boss. Today she had her second Chemo treatment and I was able to visit with her for a couple of hours. When I got there she was already hooked up and ready to go.&nbsp;Without exaggeration, I can say she absolutely glowed. We chatted like two magpies&nbsp;for a couple of hours.....&nbsp;Just catching up.&nbsp;It was a great visit. As I drove away from the Treatment Center, I thought to myself about what a great attitude she has. She has met this giant face to face and hasn't even flinched.&nbsp;It is so refreshing to see faith in action. She is literally "Standing on the Promises of God" Unstoppable is when you go to encourage someone else&nbsp;and come away feeling inspired yourself.&nbsp;That's just the way she is. I love her to the moon and back and can't wait to see what God will do with her Unstoppable spirit. </div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-37623240637149550522017-03-09T19:48:00.001-06:002017-03-10T20:53:44.223-06:00Comfort Zone<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FvpWR5ffAM/WMIDQo4pMNI/AAAAAAAAHn0/rAEj4xVJrtMZopF0XEL5AbFkIECJyHzxACLcB/s1600/Comfort%2Bzone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FvpWR5ffAM/WMIDQo4pMNI/AAAAAAAAHn0/rAEj4xVJrtMZopF0XEL5AbFkIECJyHzxACLcB/s200/Comfort%2Bzone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The last couple of years or so,&nbsp;I had been convinced that God was done with me.... I was of no use to him as&nbsp;I held no spiritual value. I thought God had tossed to me the side like people do to each other. I wasn't interested in investing in new relationships.&nbsp; I get a visual of God watching me with his arms crossed,&nbsp;tilting his head and saying.... "Really? You think that's how this works?" With quite a bit of attitude I might add. So, God did what God does...&nbsp; He stirred things up like an Eagle does her nest. It felt as if he had literally tossed me into the wind like an Eagle teaching&nbsp;her young to fly. Trust me.... It may sound idyllic when you read about it in Deuteronomy 32:10-11, but when it happen in real life, it's terrifying!! Did I flounder? Oh yes I did. I had lived in the shadows of others for so long,&nbsp;I couldn't imagine being left hanging, no security in sight. Nothing will&nbsp;bring out your insecurities and fill you with self-doubt&nbsp;like being uprooted from&nbsp;your&nbsp;comfort zone.&nbsp;&nbsp;I wish I could say that I didn't bat a lash.&nbsp;I wish I could say&nbsp;I just spread my wings and began to soar.... But that would be as far from the truth, as the east is from the west.&nbsp;Comfort zones aren't&nbsp;healthy. I had taken a backseat, and even worse, believed that's where I belonged. See, that's the whole problem with comfort zones. Comfort zones are to Christians, like rocking chairs are to babies.... They lull us to sleep. Living in the shadow of others, will make your eyelids heavy and before you know it you're just dozing away without a care in the world. That's not the life Christians are called to. We&nbsp;were created&nbsp;to be, not just&nbsp;conquerors', but <i>more than Conquerors'. </i>Imagine an army preparing to conquer a city. Do you get a picture of soldiers decked out in their pajamas, popping bonbons in their mouth? No. A conqueror has to be on their toes.... A conqueror has to be hyper aware of what's going on, not wrapped in a in blanket. How ridiculous would that look? Comfort zones are a great place to hide, but they aren't a great place to grow. Growing takes a lot of digging, a lot of culling, a lot of not so pleasant activities that stimulates us to adjust. The Church is a great comfort zone. The Church isn't suppose to <i>be </i>a comfort zone, it's supposed to be a safe place, but not necessarily a comfortable place. The church isn't the building....&nbsp;<b>We</b> are the Church and as such, we are to be mobile. Sure, the Church&nbsp;comes together as one, for encouragement and to be spiritually fed, but the Church isn't the battlefield. The battlefield, the ground to be gained lies outside the doors of the church where things aren't always pre-planned and well rehearsed. The Church building is where we dress for battle, but it isn't where the battle takes place. <br /><br />So what did I do? I questioned everything and everyone around me.&nbsp; I wanted to completely disappear from life as I knew it. As Dr. Seuss would say, I puzzled and puzzled until my puzzler was sore, and then I puzzled&nbsp;just a little bit more. I went through&nbsp;a time of&nbsp;doubting God, myself and others. Then ever so slowly God began to push a little here, nudge a little there, and before&nbsp;I knew it&nbsp;He whispered in&nbsp;my ear..... "It's not that I don't understand..... It's just that I don't care, because where you were at, isn't where I needed you to be..."&nbsp;and slowly&nbsp;he began to open my sleepy eyes,&nbsp; dry my pitiful&nbsp;tears, and direct my timid steps (which are ordered by him), to new places, with new faces.&nbsp; He assured me that I had a purpose just as&nbsp;crucial as anything&nbsp;as anyone else.&nbsp;He has done a great work in me.&nbsp; He has healed my wounds, strengthened my wings and is teaching me to soar with the big birds. He&nbsp;has made it apparent that&nbsp;I have not been tossed aside. He has&nbsp;prepared me for such a time as this with a kingdom purpose. He has spoken to me and through me... <b>Little ole back seat me</b>. He has shown me that value I have in&nbsp;Him, and&nbsp;so much more so since he kicked me out of my comfort zone. He didn't leave me in a free fall, he swooped down and caught me on his wings until I had&nbsp;gained&nbsp;confidence. He carried me until I wasn't afraid to forge new relationships.&nbsp;Looking back now I know he had never left me behind, but he was always &nbsp;behind me. <br /><br />Sweet ones..... The greatest lie Satan can tell you, is you&nbsp;are of no&nbsp;worth. I assure you every one of you have a purpose. There are no big I's or little u's in the kingdom of God. We are all meant to be conquers' of big things, little things, and every day things. You have value and I hope you realize it&nbsp;before you have a nest stirring experience. Get out and get going.... You have places to go, people to meet and things to be done in His name. Start now before he jump starts it for you.</div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-63337146341270330982017-03-07T23:25:00.000-06:002017-03-07T23:25:37.768-06:00The Brambles and the Briars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div abp="5971"><div abp="5964"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5JDHkJ9wOE/WL-NmmE1AmI/AAAAAAAAHnM/deJ3UF3ZiZkBAmOFmIaV7R01apxWs7x0gCLcB/s1600/briars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o5JDHkJ9wOE/WL-NmmE1AmI/AAAAAAAAHnM/deJ3UF3ZiZkBAmOFmIaV7R01apxWs7x0gCLcB/s320/briars.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I've often referred to the journey of life as a tapestry. On one side, you have a plethora of colors, weaving and intersecting in what looks like nothing but&nbsp;tangled knots. When you turn the frame around, what was&nbsp;a tangled mess, emerges as a beautiful picture. That is still the way I prefer to look at life. It may be messy, but in the end a beautiful life will emerge. But when you are in the thick of things, when you are going through the tough stuff....&nbsp; Life doesn't feel like a tapestry, it feels like you have stumbled into a thicket of brambles and briars.&nbsp;You can't escape&nbsp;life&nbsp;without some bumps and bruises, a little bleeding and scars. Our Savior didn't escape the tough stuff.</div><div abp="5964"><br /></div><div abp="5964">The brambles and the briars can be anything that knocks you off your feet, something that jerks the rug right out from under you sending you in a free fall. &nbsp;They are the failed relationships, broken promises, and unfulfilled dreams that haunt us&nbsp;in our darkest hour. They are illnesses and unexpected deaths that shatter our lives and disrupt the foundation of all that we know. They are the despair you feel&nbsp;when your career tanks, sinking the ship that hasn't quite come in. &nbsp;They are "the things" that happen to other people until&nbsp;you look up to find them roosting on&nbsp;your doorstep with no warning. They consist of&nbsp; wild thorns and sharp words,&nbsp;that&nbsp;pierce your heart, ripping wounds so deep you surely think you will not survive. But survive you will.&nbsp;The tough times are not times of beauty, for we cannot see the big picture and often cannot see or feel the hand of God. It isn't until we can look back with tearless eyes and vision that isn't clouded&nbsp;by pain and emotions, that we see them for what they are... A learning place... A kneeling place.</div><div abp="5964"><br /></div><div abp="5964">In time.... After you've fought your way through the brambles and briars and back onto a path of healing, that&nbsp;you may&nbsp;gain clarity&nbsp;regarding such a painful time.... Well, sometimes clarity will come,&nbsp;but some times&nbsp;you just have to trust that when the sun begins to shine, you will look back and see some sort&nbsp;fruit or lovely blossoms on the thorny branches that once ripped holes in your heart. Sometimes the fruit is sweet, sometimes it is bitter, but there are always lessons to be learned in the thicket of the briars. There will be scars.... But&nbsp;scars can tell a beautiful story.... A story of healing, a story of hope.<br /><br />The brambles and the briars in my life may be different than the ones in your life.&nbsp;It is so difficult to watch&nbsp;someone you know struggle&nbsp;through these patches in life. If you've ever been there, you want desperately to gently remove them from the thorns that are ripping every fiber of their heart. &nbsp;But free them you can't.... All you can do is to be there for them... To be a safe place for them to go to when they are still so tender.&nbsp;&nbsp;You&nbsp;can&nbsp;meet them where they're at, with no judgement.&nbsp;You can be open arms that embrace the hurting&nbsp;with the healing ointment of unconditional friendship.&nbsp;&nbsp;You can be the&nbsp;one who&nbsp;whispers God's promises in their ear... To remind them to be gentle&nbsp;to themselves as they&nbsp;heal. You can be an encourager for nothing will zap your courage like the brambles and the briars.&nbsp;&nbsp;I like it when I can make them smile, for I remember all too well, that smiles can be few and far between when you are tangled in the brambles and the briars. <br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-17852805034686386662017-02-14T18:58:00.000-06:002017-02-14T18:58:14.998-06:00Hoppa Lolli and Snowflakes From Heaven<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTh1WjqN5ZM/WKOnis7SArI/AAAAAAAAHmA/ACaCuE6o9xwdtNYGEd6t4mkuKnzlfxZDQCLcB/s1600/Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTh1WjqN5ZM/WKOnis7SArI/AAAAAAAAHmA/ACaCuE6o9xwdtNYGEd6t4mkuKnzlfxZDQCLcB/s320/Love.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Today was my birthday and like every birthday, (especially as I get older) it was a special day..... Not so much because it was my birthday, but because it was Valentine's Day. If I could pick any day of the year to have a birthday, Valentine's Day would be it. I'm a hopeless romantic and love anything that is heart shaped, pink, or that glitters. Valentine's Day is my day.... Literally! First thing this morning I got a video from my Daughter-in-law of my Grandson saying..... "Hoppa Lolli" which translated into Levi speak means "Happy Birthday Lollli." It made my heart swell to epic proportions.<br /><br />Later in the day I got a little melancholy, wishing I could talk to my Mom and listen to her tell my birth story. Something about a birthday just calls for a Momma. Shortly, a co-worker peaked around the corner and said.... "Jackie, it's snowing." I ran outside like a two year old..... I truly regress when snow is involved. If I had any self awareness, I'd probably be embarrassed, but I don't and I'm not.... I love snow and am completely clueless at those who don't. I knew without a doubt that those fluffy flakes were sent as a special reminder that she is gone but not forgotten.<br /><br />To top the day off was a ton of well wishes from friends near and far. I had a spectacular birthday and as Dr. Seuss said about Christmas.....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"It came without ribbons, it came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But it came with a whole lot of heart. It came with a Hoppa Lolli, and snowflakes from heaven and I could not wish for anything more. I love you dear friends and I hope your day was just as magical as mine. &nbsp;</div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-34252646610015056282017-01-28T12:31:00.000-06:002017-01-28T12:31:17.737-06:00Fighting the Good Fight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTXZbDLNuRQ/WIzi_Fr-rKI/AAAAAAAAHTU/mw4rBjl3DoI-vBfE86I5vQkaLetzHJoMQCLcB/s1600/Daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTXZbDLNuRQ/WIzi_Fr-rKI/AAAAAAAAHTU/mw4rBjl3DoI-vBfE86I5vQkaLetzHJoMQCLcB/s320/Daddy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />3 years ago today, my Mom passed from this life to her eternal home. My Dad had been in the trenches of her illness long before we knew she was truly ill with something other than dementia or some other condition altering her mental state. When she was finally diagnosed with Lymphoma, I moved in to begin helping.<br /><br />After she died, my immediate and most pressing concern was my Dad. They had been married for 57 years. I remember telling him..... "Daddy, don't quit on me. Please don't give up." &nbsp;So often after a spouse dies, the remaining spouse gives up on life and follows shortly thereafter. My greatest fear was that Daddy would no longer have a reason to live. My husband and I continued to live with Dad for several weeks after her passing. We didn't actually move out, I just gradually began taking my clothes home, and spending more nights at our house until Dad was a little more settled. When I took the last suitcase home, the look on his face broke my heart.<br /><br />I go by every morning before work. He works part time at the funeral home. He loves to work in his yard and takes care of his neighbors yard as well. His days are long and lonely, but he hasn't given up. He hasn't given up because he isn't a quitter. He hasn't given up, because he is still fighting to the good fight.<br /><br />Today is a hard day, but it would be so much harder if I didn't have a part of Mom still here with me. I don't feel like I've ever lost Mom because as long as I have Daddy, a big chunk of her is still with me.<br />I love you to the moon and back Daddy... Don't ever forget that.<br /><br /><br /></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-31330186275927287242017-01-06T20:18:00.001-06:002017-01-06T20:18:16.875-06:00An Enchanted Day of Whimsy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZx3o0NkxYs/WHBOAFbUnAI/AAAAAAAAHO4/cTr9KGeuG-AcL53po8-GlXAosjfl0r9zgCLcB/s1600/15823292_10211252242684396_4565864936010193219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lZx3o0NkxYs/WHBOAFbUnAI/AAAAAAAAHO4/cTr9KGeuG-AcL53po8-GlXAosjfl0r9zgCLcB/s320/15823292_10211252242684396_4565864936010193219_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Last night as I lay in bed reading my book, my husband kept coming in to show me the latest weather forecast, along with the radar. I shooed him away, telling him he was going to jinx my sliver of a hope for snow. I could almost swear Stephens County, Oklahoma has a no snow dome surrounding it. It seems that when snow is predicted, it makes it right up to our county line then.... Notta, zip, Today was a blessed day. During the night, we got barely a dusting. I was pretty certain that was the most we would get. When someone at work mentioned that it was snowing hard, I was elated. Snow brings out my inner child in an almost obnoxious way. I cannot confirm or deny that a snowball was thrown inside the office this morning, and without sounding too much like a Democrat.... "At this point, what difference does it really make?" But I will confirm that my boss heard squealing, came to see what all the fuss was about, only to find me standing on the steps catching flakes. Not sure how much that will advance my future within the company, but &nbsp;it can never be said that things are boring when I'm in high gear. &nbsp;I do love it when those around me who are not snow enthusiasts, grant me and my snow shenanigans a measure of grace. What can I say.... Snow sends my ADHD into hyper-drive. &nbsp;<br /><br />By noon the roads were pretty bad, and the schools were closing so we got to go home.<br />I slid into the driveway, flew upstairs for my winter gear (minus one glove) and ran right out the back door with dogs right behind me. One thing I have learned is, if we get snow I better enjoy it while it last, because it's &nbsp;usually short-lived. The dogs and I romped in the backyard for probably an hour, then I swept the porch and drive. The snow was still coming down so I went over to Daddy's and cleared his and his neighbor's sidewalks and drive. I issued stern warnings not to get out and to call me if they needed anything. When I got home my husband wanted me to take him back to work so our son could have his car for work. When we got to the Honda Shop we had an impromptu two step dance lesson which was really fun. With no customers around, everyone in the shop attempted to find some rhythm and a right foot to go with the twin left feet we were all sporting. <br /><br />Last but not least, I did what I dread every single year. I got the Christmas tree disassembled (but not put away). During dinner the activities of the day seemed to sneak up on me rendering me almost immobile. Yeah, I'm pretty sure sleeping in tomorrow will be at the top of my "to do" list. Today was day of enchanted whimsy and fun. Being an adult is overrated and every now and again its good to just let loose and enjoy life, That's what having a snow day is all about.... At least for this snowbird.<br /><br /><br /></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-57859365756815494382016-12-23T20:43:00.002-06:002016-12-23T20:43:31.230-06:00Stepping Past Dysfunction to Achieve Harmony and Peace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVNPyUmTDoU/WF3gHtKlnYI/AAAAAAAAHOU/tTYhZYWeP0QWduf_Ej7MpscQe0kYrzM3wCLcB/s1600/step.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PVNPyUmTDoU/WF3gHtKlnYI/AAAAAAAAHOU/tTYhZYWeP0QWduf_Ej7MpscQe0kYrzM3wCLcB/s200/step.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tonight I was sitting in my living room thinking over the events of the last couple of weeks.... Actually, the last couple of years. I've had a full enjoyable schedule in spite of the stress that comes with the Holidays. I was reflecting on two very similar situations with very different outcomes. I'm not a rocket scientist but one thing I know, if you are in the presence of people who due to their own insecurities, feel and act as if they are superior to those they are around..... There will be no harmony..... Period! If you are in the presence of someone you always have to defer to to keep the peace.... There will never be true peace. Inflated egos, gross insecurities, and lack of rational thought will never foster harmony. NEVER! Harmony cannot co-exist with these traits. It can only be fostered by a spirit of equality and humility. It's hard to see the contrast between the two until you've experienced an atmosphere of constant discord for any length of time, then been removed from it to a place of peace and harmony. When you are around dysfunctional people long enough.... You just learn to live with it, turn the other cheek, or walk on eggshells, and don't poke the bear. It becomes a tiring relationship. It is emotionally and physically exhausting. When you finally take a step back&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI4EgRryRbM/WF3gtVBlxOI/AAAAAAAAHOc/s16agcjPzH0ChBeSr-lE8TAzifCIXzBtgCLcB/s1600/chistmas%2Bcarols.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HI4EgRryRbM/WF3gtVBlxOI/AAAAAAAAHOc/s16agcjPzH0ChBeSr-lE8TAzifCIXzBtgCLcB/s200/chistmas%2Bcarols.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">from the problem, eventually you begin to see it for what it was..... A strain. Now looking back I can clearly see that it takes more than one person to suck the harmony out of the room. It also takes those surrounding the dysfunctional person to enable them to continue to do so. Do I miss the relationship? Yes. Do I miss the constant dysfunction? Hell no. A memory made in harmony&nbsp;is like a soft warm blanket on a bitterly cold night, and not one I will look back on with mixed emotions..... Just genuine amazement that life is much more peaceful on the other side of dysfunction. &nbsp;&nbsp;</div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-67758742734605326782016-11-24T08:05:00.000-06:002016-11-24T08:05:18.686-06:00All I Know<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_c8IpZTKafU/WDby0TN8R-I/AAAAAAAAHNQ/k5IniEvlDjsNmvdtdV0vvOa09Eqt5Zi0wCLcB/s1600/praying%2Bhands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_c8IpZTKafU/WDby0TN8R-I/AAAAAAAAHNQ/k5IniEvlDjsNmvdtdV0vvOa09Eqt5Zi0wCLcB/s320/praying%2Bhands.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>Yesterday poor planning landed me in the eye of the storm which is Walmart. As I attempted to blitz through as quickly as possible, I found myself saying.... &nbsp;"This might require nerve medication, a straight jacket, and a cocktail." Then I remembered that it was time to calm down and remember all reasons I have to be thankful.<br /><br />I am thankful for salvation, for without it there would be no hope.<br /><br />I am thankful for grace, for without it there would be no salvation.<br /><br />I am thankful for my past.... The good, the bad, and the ugly have made me what I am today.... A thankful soul.<br /><br />I am thankful for my parents, a firm foundation and unconditional love is the beginnings of a happy heart.<br /><br />I am thankful for my marriage. I love the quote from movie <b>Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade</b>... "Choose, but choose wisely." 35 years ago I did.<br /><br />I am thankful for my children. Motherhood was truly a dream come true for me. My children &nbsp;bring me great joy.<br /><br />I am thankful for my grandchild. There simply are no words to describe how he has completely captivated my heart, and when I have no words, that says a lot.<br /><br />I am thankful for my job which is simply a pleasure and a blessing.... One I don't take lightly.<br /><br />I am thankful for my health. The older I get, the more thankful I am.<br /><br />I am thankful to be able to find the humor in almost anything... Especially myself.<br /><br />I am thankful for my present. There are a lot of dark paths one can find themselves upon. I've had dark times, dark emotions, but my path has always led me back to the light... For that I am thankful.<br /><br />There is a line in a song by Matt Wertz, that says.....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"I don't know how your love works,</div><div style="text-align: center;">How it covers me with grace,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know how you swallow all I am,&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">when I can't stand my taste.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All I know, is the bleeding in my heart</div><div style="text-align: center;">and the healing of your touch.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All I know, is you gave everything,</div><div style="text-align: center;">So let that be enough.... That's all I know"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I am thankful that when I feel <i>less than</i>, the cross steps in and makes me enough. When I feel betrayed and beaten down, the ointment of his love covers my bleeding wounds. When I feel like a failure, He reminds me that I am a conqueror. When others treat me as if I'm <i>below them,</i>&nbsp;He reminds me that at the foot of the cross, we're all on level ground. When I feel overlooked, He lets me know that He sees me in the wilderness. He sees me in the valley. He sees me through, I may not know everything, but I do know, knowing Him is enough, and for that I am thankful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-49287962247698269362016-11-23T18:02:00.002-06:002016-11-23T18:02:42.938-06:00That's What I Miss<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PcnFguoo8c/WDYuEm-uQQI/AAAAAAAAHNA/hUniORs24roF4MmBs7uvD_jQDuc02EeuwCLcB/s1600/Fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2PcnFguoo8c/WDYuEm-uQQI/AAAAAAAAHNA/hUniORs24roF4MmBs7uvD_jQDuc02EeuwCLcB/s320/Fall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I stood at the kitchen counter chopping celery and onions. The hum of the convection oven, and the tick-tock of the timer sang in the background. I tossed some chopped celery in the simmering butter on the stove, and went back to the counter and began chopping onions. Riley, my bulldog whined as I chopped... She was out of water. "I know, I know" I told her. I stopped chopping, gave her water, washed my hands and carried the onions over to add to the celery. The smell of the cornbread was starting to fill the kitchen as was the cool of the evening. It was getting dark outside as I stood over the simmering pan of onions and celery..... "Something seems off" I thought to myself. That's when it hit me just how quiet the house was. Besides the simmering of butter and the humming of the oven, the only sound was the clicking of the dogs toenails on the hardwood floor. Awe, it's the holidays that make me miss the pitter-patter of little feet running up and down the stairs. It's the silence that makes me miss the giggles and muffled noises of mischief in progress just beyond my sight. It's in the still of the evening when the sadness of having grown children threatens to wash over me. What am I thankful for tonight?? Tomorrow I'll be surrounded by all of my family and baby kisses. That's what I miss.</div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-77189842644747880322016-09-26T17:25:00.002-05:002017-02-02T20:50:00.118-06:00She Flooded My Life with Light<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div abp="2487"><div abp="5997"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPJMildObNY/V-mgEvPhHjI/AAAAAAAAHLw/NiX2_-41NtcymnmHtfiA-Tn54otSPvOHwCLcB/s1600/Aunt%2BDoris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SPJMildObNY/V-mgEvPhHjI/AAAAAAAAHLw/NiX2_-41NtcymnmHtfiA-Tn54otSPvOHwCLcB/s1600/Aunt%2BDoris.jpg" /></a></div>I'm assuming every family has one... The one who connects all of the others, the one whom the family revolves around. I remember summers at her house, Christmas around her tree and family dinners when there were more family than room. I called her "Red Ant" because like Mohommad Ali, she could float like a butterfly and sting like a bee except&nbsp;she was a little bitty thing. I used to hate the way she used to wake us up in the morning. She believed sleeping late was for lazy bones and even if it was summer break, that was no excuse just to lay around sleeping your life away. She would bound into our darkened room, clapping her hands&nbsp;and in a sing song&nbsp;voice say&nbsp;"Rise and Shine, Rise and Shine" while throwing open the curtains, allowing the blazing sun to accost our sleepy eyes. She took great delight in this little ritual simply because she knew we dreaded it. I'm pretty sure that by todays standards it would be considered just a few hand claps shy of child abuse. When we were finally awake, she would sweetly ask if we would care for some chocolate gravy and biscuits, which would immediately eradicate, or almost eradicate any ill feelings we harbored about her rude awakening. She called me "Little Jackie LouLou", and her house was like a second home to me even though we lived 2 hours away. Being at Red Aunt's house was just how things were supposed to be. The family would stay up late telling family tales. My cousin and I would sit quietly and listen even though the stories had been told a thousand times. She would wait until everyone was tucked soundly in bed, even if that meant it was 3 a.m., before she whipped out the vacuum and begin to clean... Leaving little triangles on the living room carpet to be found first thing in the morning. I loved to pester her, I loved to shock her with off colored remarks just to see her pale skin blush and watch her mouth fly open in shock. She would laugh and slap at me and say.... "Awe, now LouLou". The last couple of times I visited her, I would hesitantly stick my head in her room to see if she recognized me. She would throw her hands in the air and say..... "Oh, if it isn't Jackie LouLou."&nbsp;We laughed together and she teased that she was going to spank me... "You'll have to catch me first," I told her.&nbsp; She lived on a country road that&nbsp;dead ended at the pasture that used to be filled with cows. &nbsp;Her house was down the road from my Grandparents', their houses separated by a huge garden in between. She took care of Grandma and Grandpa until God called them home. After they died, she took care of other elderly family members during their last days. She was the epitome of a care giver. Her hair had turned gray, her steps had become slow and unsteady, but she still had the sparkle that won her the title Red Aunt.... It lay there just beneath the wrinkles that adorned her precious&nbsp;face. After my Mother's funeral, looking&nbsp;into that face&nbsp;was surreal..... Their faces had become even more alike and it felt like home to me. &nbsp;She was the matriarch of our family and we are a much better family because of her. All of my memories spent at her house will be treasured forever, and she will forever remain a piece of me, and a piece of everyone she touched because she just had a way of coming into your life and throwing the curtains wide open.... Flooding your heart, your life&nbsp;with a little bit of orneriness and a whole lot of light.&nbsp;The world is a darker place without her in it, but heaven has become oh so bright.</div></div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-73290255237768683562016-09-23T19:12:00.001-05:002016-09-23T19:12:40.415-05:00In Memory Of<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEC56E-TEB8/V-XBC5w9apI/AAAAAAAAHLY/ZhtBTgPBERYs_BddJIRI9UkO_tzeAuA6QCLcB/s1600/aunt%2Bdoris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AEC56E-TEB8/V-XBC5w9apI/AAAAAAAAHLY/ZhtBTgPBERYs_BddJIRI9UkO_tzeAuA6QCLcB/s200/aunt%2Bdoris.jpg" width="145" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Doris Lee Scott</div><div>June 23, 1924 - September 22, 2016</div><div><br /></div><div>In Memory of </div><div><i><b>Doris Lee Scott</b></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>Born:&nbsp;&nbsp; June 23, 1924</div><div>Died:&nbsp;&nbsp; September 22, 2016</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Funeral Service</b></div><div>Criswell Funeral Chapel</div><div>Monday, September 26, 2016, 10:00 a.m.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Officiating</b></div><div>Reverend Ed Rutherford</div><div>And</div><div>Reverend Steve Hogue</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Casket Bearers</b></div><div>Marty Jackson, Dusty Henderson, Brad Faust, Kendall McKibben, Bryan Smith, Steve Timmons</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Honorary Bearers</b></div><div>James Abbott, Luther Green, Glen Walker</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Concluding Service</b></div><div>Memorial Park Cemetery</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Life Well Lived</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--V5tz8KWB00/V-XCJI5wdrI/AAAAAAAAHLc/PTJrwfm9ivsFJstpPFDDqZYQjCfveI6JgCEw/s1600/Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--V5tz8KWB00/V-XCJI5wdrI/AAAAAAAAHLc/PTJrwfm9ivsFJstpPFDDqZYQjCfveI6JgCEw/s320/Rose.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><div>A single simple rose</div><div>A teardrop from my eye</div><div>A memory of your smile</div><div>Our final last goodbye</div><div>You gave to us your love</div><div>You paved a path of faith</div><div>Today we do not mourn</div><div>But joyfully celebrate</div><div>A life well lived</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Psalm 30: 11-12</b></div><div>You have turned for me my mourning into dancing.</div><div>You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness.</div><div>To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.</div><div>O LORD my God I will give thanks to You forever.</div><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-33488580800713643892016-09-18T13:00:00.000-05:002016-09-18T13:00:58.214-05:00That's a Wrap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0GzTzV9hdk/V97JpXX4WyI/AAAAAAAAHJw/TTyRgMwVsTYk6kuXp9tzkzk3MXw-oAMnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0GzTzV9hdk/V97JpXX4WyI/AAAAAAAAHJw/TTyRgMwVsTYk6kuXp9tzkzk3MXw-oAMnwCLcB/s200/IMG_0283.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>"Parting is such sweet sorrow.", at least it was for the cast of "Someone Save My Baby Ruth". Our 4 night performance at the Marlow Opera House came to an end last night and the curtain came down. Close ties were formed by all and we agreed during the cast party that we hated to see it end. In a few short weeks, we went from being strangers, to friends. Isn't that what local theatre is all about? When rehearsals started a few of the cast members knew each other, but by the last performance we had "gelled" and from the feedback we got from the audience, it showed. Mike came to every performance even though I assured him it was not necessary. After curtain call last night, he told me that DLT should definitely get this cast back together to do something else because the chemistry came across onstage and flowed out to the audience. We immediately, in the post show glow, started plotting and scheming on ways we could make it happen.&nbsp;A&nbsp;murder mystery dinner theater was mentioned..... Writing our own play was batted around, because of course we are a successful group considering we had just done an&nbsp;Off-Broadway show.... No, seriously.&nbsp;The Marlow Opera House is half a block off&nbsp;Broadway.... In&nbsp;Marlow Oklahoma. Soooo, in reality I am not joking when I say we did an Off-Broadway&nbsp;Show. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGhSHHJwLBY/V97KEmcDSoI/AAAAAAAAHKM/ikruhVSksqAA_MXf1hwIIIAuQJNbRQOygCEw/s1600/derrick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="99" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rGhSHHJwLBY/V97KEmcDSoI/AAAAAAAAHKM/ikruhVSksqAA_MXf1hwIIIAuQJNbRQOygCEw/s200/derrick.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Let's face it,&nbsp;anything that is successful has to have one important thing.... Great&nbsp;leadership! I cannot say enough about our amazing director. Not only was she patient and kind, she was also very helpful. She didn't hesitate to give us direction... In a good way. She also did something that I think helped us gel as a group. She began each rehearsal with an ice breaker which helped loosen us up, gave us a laugh and ultimately broke down the walls that often surround people when they are in a group of people who don't know each other.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdYx2HKAxlw/V97JzLvLfiI/AAAAAAAAHKA/O2ojOXWt3Owb9Ia_kNfG1ByayBK6yYSrwCEw/s1600/14355597_10153674975462820_1598504848003496898_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TdYx2HKAxlw/V97JzLvLfiI/AAAAAAAAHKA/O2ojOXWt3Owb9Ia_kNfG1ByayBK6yYSrwCEw/s200/14355597_10153674975462820_1598504848003496898_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>One of the most amazing things about this play, were the kids (technically some were teenagers, but when you're my age they're kids). We had 4 young teenagers in the cast and one girl who was a little younger. These kids were no amateurs, it was clear from the first rehearsal that this was not their first rodeo. I am not exaggerating when I say that I was amazed not only at their talent, but how professional they were. I've been around youth before and I know sometimes it can be like herding kittens. Not with this group. They showed up for every rehearsal, prepared&nbsp;to give&nbsp;a&nbsp;full blown performance each and every time, and they did. Come to find out, they probably had more experience than the rest of us.&nbsp;All of them&nbsp;had previous experience and it showed. When&nbsp;the adults&nbsp;are long gone, DLT has a bright future with talent like this.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Tp0DeOdNg/V97KK7uNZHI/AAAAAAAAHKo/sI89YKqa4pEXhnO_muuw3yOkTdTJUXwwQCEw/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Tp0DeOdNg/V97KK7uNZHI/AAAAAAAAHKo/sI89YKqa4pEXhnO_muuw3yOkTdTJUXwwQCEw/s200/IMG_0279.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>The cast hesitantly cleaned up and prepared to move out after the cast party. Saying goodbye wasn't easy, but was made tolerable with promises of..... "We'll get together for lunch", and "Let's write a play together". Yes, "Parting is such sweet sorrow", but only for now..... "That's a wrap:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdr4u4Yo0tI/V97Jt_618oI/AAAAAAAAHKo/azG5zMFg1p4iUkAaG8GY2M8EtEjZtJQRQCEw/s1600/14264163_10103745716196682_4819605844701986301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qdr4u4Yo0tI/V97Jt_618oI/AAAAAAAAHKo/azG5zMFg1p4iUkAaG8GY2M8EtEjZtJQRQCEw/s320/14264163_10103745716196682_4819605844701986301_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening night backstage selfie with Mr. Earnest Noble</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yyxr4zXwoQ/V97Jrn8d_qI/AAAAAAAAHKo/jBJ_Emr11ZEwfjvgUkVSqyzCbPhEAjmTgCEw/s1600/14317590_10153668557647820_5048149405359869146_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0yyxr4zXwoQ/V97Jrn8d_qI/AAAAAAAAHKo/jBJ_Emr11ZEwfjvgUkVSqyzCbPhEAjmTgCEw/s200/14317590_10153668557647820_5048149405359869146_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taffy and Toffee sooth Mrs. Candy's Nerves</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Df9tuDyL9UM/V97JwNrdY5I/AAAAAAAAHKo/akRI9UItEpQeBFebaLCRKRs0UnQ19s_mwCEw/s1600/14233045_10202045663261119_6411129133514427013_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Df9tuDyL9UM/V97JwNrdY5I/AAAAAAAAHKo/akRI9UItEpQeBFebaLCRKRs0UnQ19s_mwCEw/s320/14233045_10202045663261119_6411129133514427013_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Baby Ruth is such a doll....</div><div>She never cries</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxJpjLmwW34/V97KOGTNkSI/AAAAAAAAHKo/MNl-v05Ada4HK552TOai6BMryhf5c0mTQCEw/s1600/IMG_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxJpjLmwW34/V97KOGTNkSI/AAAAAAAAHKo/MNl-v05Ada4HK552TOai6BMryhf5c0mTQCEw/s200/IMG_0280.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Ada Sourball may have been</div><div>more than Sidney Swindle could</div><div>handle</div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkNw-ao9f7A/V97KhcP72LI/AAAAAAAAHKo/rnvfhkILydAaovkf2AfavNMh1Pp3_iIPACEw/s1600/14368812_10210648690040561_5236368195670476866_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DkNw-ao9f7A/V97KhcP72LI/AAAAAAAAHKo/rnvfhkILydAaovkf2AfavNMh1Pp3_iIPACEw/s200/14368812_10210648690040561_5236368195670476866_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>We came together as strangers</div><div>but left as friends</div></td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_N43LQK2r_0/V97TDMCfEqI/AAAAAAAAHK8/YwB-oIj-26UuzuhssYtaGVjn2aw8kFlJACLcB/s1600/14291700_10208138455552492_2703801775876749309_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_N43LQK2r_0/V97TDMCfEqI/AAAAAAAAHK8/YwB-oIj-26UuzuhssYtaGVjn2aw8kFlJACLcB/s320/14291700_10208138455552492_2703801775876749309_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those clumsy candy cooks</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjv3ox6i6QA/V97Kb8JFavI/AAAAAAAAHKo/TQS6sgeWT-EmHvcY7W5sBsTdKtlZ9nduwCEw/s1600/IMG_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjv3ox6i6QA/V97Kb8JFavI/AAAAAAAAHKo/TQS6sgeWT-EmHvcY7W5sBsTdKtlZ9nduwCEw/s200/IMG_0281.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Alas, they finally found poo</div><div>Reese's Pieces, but just a tad</div><div>too late</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5lNYXu_2tXM/V97RbdxcWWI/AAAAAAAAHKw/MO9HachPsTsGZe_RAgZzmTDRJa8iGxQDQCLcB/s1600/14264974_10208138455232484_1787922863242190838_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjv3ox6i6QA/V97Kb8JFavI/AAAAAAAAHKo/TQS6sgeWT-EmHvcY7W5sBsTdKtlZ9nduwCEw/s1600/IMG_0281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Tp0DeOdNg/V97KK7uNZHI/AAAAAAAAHKo/sI89YKqa4pEXhnO_muuw3yOkTdTJUXwwQCEw/s1600/IMG_0279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Tp0DeOdNg/V97KK7uNZHI/AAAAAAAAHKo/sI89YKqa4pEXhnO_muuw3yOkTdTJUXwwQCEw/s200/IMG_0279.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ada proved to be very bendy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: right;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkLj2naAVE8/V97Kf7iGf5I/AAAAAAAAHKo/6ghkx5txjJgSsM-79CP7VAVA_eBqyJZiACEw/s1600/IMG_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkLj2naAVE8/V97Kf7iGf5I/AAAAAAAAHKo/6ghkx5txjJgSsM-79CP7VAVA_eBqyJZiACEw/s320/IMG_0228.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to roll</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppGrm3AS658/V97Ts-7OE3I/AAAAAAAAHLE/-XU6T-ArvbIjEUaZPpJOdTx_LpDWWkK5ACEw/s1600/14264169_10153671220872820_4195963486233293257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppGrm3AS658/V97Ts-7OE3I/AAAAAAAAHLE/-XU6T-ArvbIjEUaZPpJOdTx_LpDWWkK5ACEw/s320/14264169_10153671220872820_4195963486233293257_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Will Penny Candy lay Baby Ruth down long enough</div><div>to take Earnest Noble's hand in marriage?</div><div>Sequel anyone?</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-45846364106013147822016-09-17T13:44:00.002-05:002016-09-17T13:44:59.986-05:00Getting Serious About Water Conservation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wteHKjQJrJk/V92NkFwC1BI/AAAAAAAAHJI/iNn2xyMs9fco4WE3JctTfytv-mPxY6T0wCLcB/s1600/cropped%2Bdogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wteHKjQJrJk/V92NkFwC1BI/AAAAAAAAHJI/iNn2xyMs9fco4WE3JctTfytv-mPxY6T0wCLcB/s320/cropped%2Bdogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Anyone who knows me, knows how conservative I am. I like things easy, simple, no fuss, no muss. Ha!&nbsp;In the word of Harry on "When Harry Met Sally", I'm the worst kind of woman....<br /><br /><b>Harry: "</b>There are two kind of women: High maintenance and low maintenance."<br /><br /><b>Sally: </b>"Which kind am I?"<br /><br /><b>Harry: </b>"You're the worst kind. You're high maintenance but you think you're low maintenance."<br /><br />That's an accurate description.... But maybe I'm changing.&nbsp;Today I proved that&nbsp;I'm a multi-tasking, water conserving genius (of sorts).&nbsp;This morning after vacuuming the house (all hardwood floors except for bathroom), I decided to give my two Bulldogs, O'Reilly (pronounced&nbsp;OH Reilly!&nbsp;with an exasperated sigh, but we just call her Riley), and Mr. Walter White (pronounced&nbsp;just normal and we just call him Walter) a bath. I usually do them one at a time, but this morning Walter couldn't wait his turn and&nbsp;jumped in with Riley.&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh well, I thought&nbsp;I'd kill two birds with one stone, or rather bathe two dogs with one tub of water, which in itself is conservation, but&nbsp;the dogs and I took it a step further.&nbsp;I had just gotten Riley rinsed when she decided the tub was too close for comfort and jumped out taking a good portion of the water with her. The bathroom floor was already&nbsp;standing in water before Walter bailed as well. The two of them shot through the hallway, down the stairs, and though the rest of the house&nbsp;leaving a river of water in their wake. No worrries, the floors needed to be mopped anyway and with their help half the work was already done. &nbsp;I fetched my Spin Mop (have I mentioned lately how much I love that "as seen on TV" gadget?) I do, I love it..... With the entire house standing in water, my little&nbsp;helpers and myself&nbsp;got the&nbsp;entire house mopped in a New York second. I should enlist the help of my double trouble Bulldogs more often. This multi-tasking act of&nbsp; water conservation makes me&nbsp;want to go out&nbsp;and hug a tree.....&nbsp;But on second thought, I might get all sweaty so I'll just stay put.&nbsp;<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7QAwKjM9Rg/V92IpK16WgI/AAAAAAAAHI4/JjhBvvme1y8Zlf_w387FC7ul9EJfo4bXACLcB/s1600/greenpeace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H7QAwKjM9Rg/V92IpK16WgI/AAAAAAAAHI4/JjhBvvme1y8Zlf_w387FC7ul9EJfo4bXACLcB/s200/greenpeace.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-35317656225815964472016-09-11T19:06:00.001-05:002016-09-11T19:06:48.646-05:00One Nation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0Ar7p_B2lQ/V9XxYwiZO3I/AAAAAAAAHIg/dKEYthqJZCADmBBVADEcOCK_wDbFvHgZQCLcB/s1600/One%2Bnation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0Ar7p_B2lQ/V9XxYwiZO3I/AAAAAAAAHIg/dKEYthqJZCADmBBVADEcOCK_wDbFvHgZQCLcB/s1600/One%2Bnation.jpg" /></a></div>Like everyone else, I remember in vivid detail what I was doing when the events of 9/11 occurred. Just moments before, I had walked my youngest to school, gently holding his hand. Had I know then what I know now, I'm not certain I would have been able to let go of that tiny hand. In 2001 I was working in a busy doctor's office. Each day was like strapping into an 8 hour rollercoaster ride with phones ringing, people coming and going, but not on 9/11/01. That Tuesday was eerily quiet&nbsp;with few&nbsp;patients showing up for their appointments. I had a sickening knot in my stomach, and like a mother hen, I just wanted to gather my chicks into the nest under my protective wings. That evening my husband told said..... "Our lives as we know it will never be the same." As I watch documentaries on the stories of that day the one thing that strikes me is this. On 9/11/01 we were one nation. There were no protest of "Black Lives Matter". We were not Republicans or Democrats, white or black, rich or poor. Prayer wasn't taboo, compassion wasn't sparse, and politically correct wasn't a catch phrase. We were one nation, one people united in our determination not to let evil prevail. What will it take for us to become one nation again?</div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-52643318438191141692016-08-30T08:45:00.000-05:002016-08-30T08:45:06.357-05:00Almost Show Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div abp="1401" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a abp="1402" href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avzB56g4PC4/V8WNFxJLScI/AAAAAAAAHH8/4_8I-HOo0gMMtrJHuCxOH3fkQVUenaSaQCLcB/s1600/Someone%2BSave%2BBaby%2BRuth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="1403" border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-avzB56g4PC4/V8WNFxJLScI/AAAAAAAAHH8/4_8I-HOo0gMMtrJHuCxOH3fkQVUenaSaQCLcB/s320/Someone%2BSave%2BBaby%2BRuth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div abp="1321">I walked out on a limb a few weeks ago and tried out for a play our community theater is doing. I was surprised (and thrilled)&nbsp;when I got the call that I was given a part. This is&nbsp;the second play I've done. The first one was about 3 years ago. Sunday night&nbsp;we "went off book" which means&nbsp;we started rehearsing without scripts.&nbsp;Once&nbsp;you start rehearsals without the script,&nbsp;practice takes on a whole new dimension.&nbsp;Without the script you can actually watch the scenes play out. I think it's a good sign that after several weeks of rehearsals, we are still laughing at the&nbsp;funny parts..... In fact&nbsp;I think we are laughing even more.&nbsp;&nbsp;I have enjoyed the rehearsals from the beginning and as we progress, rehearsals are even more enjoyable. We have a great cast, several of which are young people. I have been blown away by how talented and professional they are. You can tell they are not rookies. Same goes for the adults. We have a&nbsp;wonderful cast of talented people who have given 100% into making this play a&nbsp;fun (and memorable)&nbsp;event. Tonight is our final rehearsal before we move into the Marlow Opera House where the play will be held. We&nbsp;will only have a couple of rehearsals there before it's show time.&nbsp;I'm excited and I think the rest of the cast is as well. If you get a chance, and would like a laugh, come enjoy this Melodrama&nbsp;with us. I promise you won't be disappointed. </div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-405060790118385384.post-30121062931085793952016-07-26T12:02:00.001-05:002016-08-13T22:54:52.754-05:00No Comparison<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div abp="125" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a abp="126" href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4ot8itPMXA/V5eW-XCDWhI/AAAAAAAAHHc/Y8blD95Xn9csTcQubUfEQ7gb7cfTLs60ACLcB/s1600/Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img abp="127" border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4ot8itPMXA/V5eW-XCDWhI/AAAAAAAAHHc/Y8blD95Xn9csTcQubUfEQ7gb7cfTLs60ACLcB/s320/Rose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div abp="14">One of my favorite things to do is to attend social painting classes. I love to grab a bunch of girls and get creative. This weekend I got creative&nbsp;with my daughter. I woke up Sunday feeling pretty lousy. Before the class started, I seriously thought of asking for a rain check so I could go home and go to bed. But when the instructor started instructing, I got in the zone. I intentionally didn't look at my daughter's painting as we progressed. She paints with an amazingly steady hand and she blends her painting with incredible focus. Me.... Not so much. Midway through the class I thought to myself.... "It's going to look horrible" &nbsp;As we were wrapping up the session, I glanced over at&nbsp;my daughter's&nbsp;painting. Yep, it was perfect as usual, but even though mine was different, it wasn't horrible, in fact I thought it looked pretty great. The coolest part of a social painting class is when everyone has finished and you get to see everyone's painting. Although they are all the same subject matter.... Each painting is uniquely different. Some decide to paint in totally different colors from what the instructor suggest. Some people&nbsp;add or change some aspect of their painting. Then you have people like myself. I&nbsp;follow the instructions, stroke by stroke, it goes against my nature not to.&nbsp;After class I thought about comparisons. It's so easy to glance at someone's life and think you have failed by comparison, when in reality you haven't. Life would be boring if we were all alike. Our differences are what make us interesting, and as someone once said, "Boring lives don't make for interesting stories". Remember that the next time you have the urge to compare yourself to someone else.... </div></div>Jackie Pattersonhttps://plus.google.com/114372977505411468213noreply@blogger.com0